Alabama Administrative Code
Title 660 - ALABAMA DEPARTMENT OF HUMAN RESOURCES
Chapter 660-5-39 - LICENSING: MINIMUM STANDARDS FOR CHILD-PLACING AGENCIES
Section 660-5-39-.14 - Application And Procedure For License

(a) Any person, group or persons or corporation may obtain an application form for a license to operate a child-placing agency by contacting the Department of Human Resources by letter, telephone or scheduled visit.

(b) With the application form, a person is provided a copy of the Minimum Standards for Child-Placing Agencies: Principles, Regulations and Procedures and an Information Form.

(c) The completed application is to be returned to the Department within 30 days from the date of inquiry if such person, etc., wishes to pursue his/her plan to operate a child-placing agency or if such person is already operating a child-placing agency illegally (without a license).

(a) Upon receipt of the completed application, an examination of the premises of the agency and an investigation of the persons responsible for the function of the agency shall be made by a representative of the Department. The examination and investigation will be based on the minimum standards and regulations as prescribed and published by the Department. Required information will be noted on the Information Form by the applicant as such requirements are met.

(a) When minimum standards for the operation of a child-placing agency have been met, a six (6) month permit will be issued. At the end of a 6 month period, if the Department determines that all standards have been met, the Child-placing agency will be issued a valid license that will be applicable for a two period of two years. If denial of a license is indicated, the Department will notify the applicant, verbally and in writing, of the decision, pointing out and discussing those areas of the minimum standards which have not been met.

(a) Application for renewal of a permit/license to continue operating a child-placing agency shall be made to the Department two months prior to the expiration date of the current permit/license, and on forms prescribed by the Department. An updated Information Form shall accompany the application.

(b) The Department shall reexamine and reevaluate all aspects of the child-placing agency, its facilities and program, included in the initial application process.

(c) A renewal of a permit/license shall be issued if, upon reexamination, the Department is satisfied that the child-placing agency, officers and staff of the child-placing agency continue to meet and to maintain the minimum standards prescribed and published by the Department.

(d) Quality Assurance Reports are to be completed on an annual basis and submitted to the Office of Licensing and Resource at the State Department of Human Resources. This report will be submitted at the time of licensing renewal and must be in a format form with content that is acceptable to DHR. The report will address stability, safety, permanency and well-being giving quantitative results of outcomes in each of the areas.

(a) Visits to the child-placing agency are made by representatives of the Department to determine continued conformity with minimum standards and to provide consultative services.